Methods and apparatus for applying product

ABSTRACT

An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

CROSS REFERENCE

The present invention claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/019,400 filed Jan. 7, 2008.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus forapplying product to areas and, in particular, applying product in eitherliquid or granular form or both.

In turf management of golf courses, lawns, parks, or the like, it isnecessary to periodically apply product in granular form or in liquidform such as fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide and the like. Similarly,it is desirable to apply product to other types of application areassuch as salt to roadways, parking lots, driveways, or the like.Conventionally, product could be applied in manual manners. However,various forms of mechanized applicators have been developed especiallyfor applying products to larger application areas. Such applicatorsutilize vehicular forms where the operator sits on or walked behind theapplicator. However, such prior applicators had various deficiencies. Asan example, it is often necessary for such applicators to traverse roughterrain in the application area and/or in moving to the application areaincluding, but not limited to, traversing cement curbs extending alongroads, driveways, or the like, with operators which are carried by priorapplicators often being jolted or otherwise subjected to bumps or thelike. Similarly, application areas often include portions such assidewalks where it is not desired or economical to apply product, withprior applicators not having the ability to differentially apply productto the application area and/or including complicated controls todifferentially apply product to the application area. Due to the size ofapplication areas, it is often necessary for the operator to makemultiple passes requiring product application to be stopped at the endswhen turning to prevent excessive application at overlapping applicationareas. Thus, it is often necessary for the operator to stop and startthe applicator multiple times and at desired times and often whilesimultaneously turning or performing other operations. Control of priorapplicators was difficult to perform and often resulted in applicationerrors and/or required that movement of the applicator on theapplication area to be stopped to allow adjustment operations. Inaddition to application errors, prior applicators resulted in operatorfatigue, discomfort or the like.

Thus, a need has arisen for methods and apparatus for applying productin either liquid or granular form and which overcomes the deficienciesof prior applicators and which are otherwise advantageous.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves this need and other problems in the fieldof applying product in either liquid or granular form to applicationareas by providing, in most preferred aspects, apparatus and methods forapplying product which could be in liquid or granular form upon an area.

In preferred aspects of the present invention, the operator is supportedby a device including first and second bushings pivotally mounting firstand second sides of a platform to a vehicular portion of the apparatusabout an axis extending parallel to a support of the platform. Thebushings are each formed of compressible material, with the platformsolely supported by the vehicular portion through the bushings. In amost preferred form, the platform is pivotally mounted between theoperable position and a transport position.

In other aspects of the present invention, a ground speed lock includesa step pivotally mounted and biased from a locked position to anunlocked position. A composite block is moveably related to the step andengages with an engagement connected to and moveable with theproportioner arm of the apparatus for preventing relative movement ofthe composite block and the engagement.

In still other aspects of the present invention, the gate controlincludes a control lever pivotably mounted to a control block about anaxis generally perpendicular to a pivot pin rotatably mounting thecontrol block. The control lever is pivotal between a bumping positionabutting with a tang of an adjustment guide, with the tang notinterfering with the control lever in an angled position in therotatable path.

In still other aspects of the present invention, a variator includesfirst and second sheaves rotatable about a pivot pin moveable to changethe effective diameters of the first and second sheaves. A first belt isconnected between the drive pulley and the first sheave, and a secondbelt is connected between the spinner pulley and the second sheave. Aflexible cable is operationally connected to a control lever and thepivot pin and moves the pivot pin when pivoted.

In additional aspects of the present invention, a spray tip is carriedby the frame assembly at a small acute angle to the area sprayingproduct in liquid form in a fan style spray having an increasing widthin the movement direction and parallel to the areas and with a heightperpendicular to the areas which is an amount insignificant to the widthwhen the spray engages the areas.

In even further aspects of the present invention, a flip shield ispivotably mounted relative to the frame assembly and to a primary shieldabout a pivot axis parallel to the movement direction and generallyperpendicular to a vertical axis of a spinner, with the primary shieldbeing concentric to and spaced from the spinner. The flip shield ispivotal between an inoperative position not operatively interfering withproduct leaving the spinner and a redirection position abutting with theprimary shield and where a linear straight portion extends parallel tothe movement direction and the pivot axis and extending parallel to atangent to the outer circumference of the spinner.

The present invention will become clearer in light of the followingdetailed description of illustrative embodiments of this inventiondescribed in connection with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to theaccompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a product applying apparatusaccording to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the product applyingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded, rear perspective view of the product applyingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows a cross sectional view of the product applying apparatusof FIG. 1, with the platform in a different position shown in phantom.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded, perspective view of the rear axle assembly ofthe product applying apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show perspective and partial, cross sectional views,respectively, of the rear axle assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows a partial, cross sectional view of the hopper assembly ofthe product applying apparatus of FIG. 1 with the gate in a fully openposition.

FIGS. 5A-5D show partial perspective views of the product applyingapparatus of FIG. 1 with the hopper gate control in differing positions.

FIG. 5E shows a partial, cross sectional view of the hopper assembly ofthe product applying apparatus of FIG. 1 with the gate in a closedposition.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the spinner drive system of theproduct applying apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-6D show top and partial side views of the product applyingapparatus of FIG. 1, with the spinner drive system in differingpositions.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show exploded, perspective views of the spinnershielding of the product applying apparatus of FIG. 1 in differingpositions.

FIG. 7C shows a top view of the primary shield of the spinner shieldingof FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 7D shows a cross sectional view of the primary shield of FIG. 7Caccording to section line D-D of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E shows a perspective view of the flip shield of the spinnershielding of FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 8A shows a partial side view of the product applying apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8B shows a partial top view of the fan style, spray tip of theproduct applying apparatus of FIG. 8A.

All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings ofthe present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respectto number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to formthe preferred embodiments will be explained or will be within the skillof the art after the following description has been read and understood.Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform tospecific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewisebe within the skill of the art after the following description has beenread and understood.

Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numeralsdesignate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top”,“bottom”, “first”, “second”, “forward”, “rearward”, “reverse”, “front”,“back”, “height”, “width”, “length”, “end”, “side”, “horizontal”,“vertical”, and similar terms are used herein, it should be understoodthat these terms have reference only to the structure shown in thedrawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and areutilized only to facilitate describing the illustrative embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An apparatus for applying product to areas utilizing methods accordingto the preferred teachings of the present invention is shown in thedrawings and generally designated 10. In the preferred form, product tobe applied are in granular form such as fertilizer, insecticide,herbicide, salt and the like or in liquid form such as fertilizer,insecticide, herbicide, and the like. The product is applied upon areasupon which apparatus 10 is moveably supported and in the most preferredform is turf such as lawns, golf courses, or the like but could include,but not limited to, sidewalks, parking lots, and the like.

In the most preferred form, apparatus 10 includes a lower frame assembly12 including a pair of driven wheels 14 adjacent the rear thereof and apair of steerable front wheels 16 adjacent the front thereof. In thepreferred form shown, an engine 17 such as a gasoline engine is mountedto lower frame assembly 12 generally intermediate wheels 14 and 16, withengine 17 suitably connected to wheels 14 for driving thereof. Asteering wheel 18 is rotatably mounted to columns 20 connected to lowerframe assembly 12 at an inclined angle slightly less that 90° towardsthe front thereof. In the preferred form, steering wheel 18 is rotatablymounted about an axis extending generally perpendicular to columns 20and generally horizontally at an inclined angle corresponding to theinclined angle of columns 20. Steering wheel 18 is suitably operativelyconnected to steerable front wheels 14 by any suitable manner.

In the preferred form shown, a pair of upper frame rails 22 extendsgenerally parallel to lower frame assembly 12. Particularly, frame rails22 are interconnected to columns 20 and are supported by a brace 24extending from lower frame assembly 12 at an angle corresponding to theinclined angle of columns 20. A hopper 26 is mounted to rails 22opposite to columns 20 and includes a lower opening 27. A support tray28 is mounted between rails 22 intermediate hopper 26 and columns 20.First and second saddle tanks 30 are mounted to rails 22 and includearcuate lower surfaces 32 extending over and in front of rear wheels 14and below tray 28.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, apparatus10 includes an operative support device including a floating platform34. Specifically, platform 34 is generally U-shaped in cross section andincludes first and second trapezoid sides 36 extending generallyperpendicularly from opposite ends of a support 38. In the mostpreferred form, support 38 includes a rubber mat 40 suitably connectedthereto. Platform 34 in the preferred form is pivotably mounted about anaxis extending parallel to and spaced from support 38 and generallyperpendicular to the movement direction of the vehicular portion ofapparatus 10, such as by pivot brackets 42 suitably secured to the axleassembly for wheels 14, to lower frame assembly 12, and/or to columns 20of the vehicular portion of apparatus 10 by any suitable manner. Sides36 are suitably pivotably connected to brackets 42 by pivot assemblies44. Although the preferred form shown is believed to produce synergisticresults, it should be appreciated that platform 34 could be pivotablymounted in other manners. In the most preferred form, platform 34 ispivotal between an operable position where support 38 and mat 40 aregenerally horizontal and parallel to lower frame assembly 12 and atransport position where support 38 abuts with columns 20 and spacedfrom support 38 in the transport position. In the most preferred form,due to inclined angle of columns 20, support 38 and mat 40 are generallyslightly past vertical so that it does not have a tendency tounintentionally pivot from the transport position to the operableposition.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, platform34 includes provisions for eliminating vibrations to an operatorstanding upon support 38 to reduce fatigue. Particularly, in addition tomat 40, bushings 46 are suitably provided extending between and abuttingplatform 34 and the vehicular portion of apparatus 10 when platform 34is in its operable position and in a direction non parallel to andspaced from the axis of pivot assemblies 44. Bushings 46 are formed ofcompressible material and in the most preferred form of rubber. In themost preferred form, bushings 46 are mounted to platform 34 andremovably abut with the axle assembly for wheels 14, to lower frameassembly 12, to columns 20 and/or other locations of the vehicularportion of apparatus 10. Particularly, in the preferred form shown,mounting plates 48 extend generally perpendicular from sides 36generally perpendicularly to support 38. Bushings 46 each include athreaded shaft extending therefrom and extending through and suitablysecured to mounting plates 48 such as by nuts.

Furthermore, in the most preferred form, pivot assemblies 44 eachincludes a collar 52 integrally extending from side 36 generallyconcentrically to the axis of pivot assemblies 44. Each collar 52receives a bushing 54 formed of compressible material such as rubber. Apivot pin 56 extends through a sleeve 50 extending through bushings 54and generally concentrically to the axis of pivot assemblies 44 andcollar 52. Pivot pins 56 extend through brackets 42 and are suitablyconnected thereto such as by nuts.

It should be appreciated that platform 34 is solely supported by thevehicular portion of apparatus 10 through bushings 46 and 54. Due to thecompressible material forming bushings 46 and 54, any vibrations causedby operation of engine 17 or other portions of apparatus 10, caused bywheels 14 and 16 moving upon the application area, or caused by otherfactors are absorbed by the compression of the material forming bushings46 and 54 to minimize or eliminate transmission to platform 34 and/orthe operator standing thereon according to the preferred teachings ofthe present invention.

Furthermore, platform 34 can be easily pivoted to the transport positionby pivoting platform 34 about pivot assemblies 44 without requiringremoval of any interconnections to vehicular portion of apparatus 10. Asan example, an operator's foot can be placed under support 38 and raisedto pivot platform 34 from its operable position to its transportposition. It should be appreciated that the overall machine length isless when platform 34 is in its transport position than when in itsoperable position to allow apparatus 10 to take less space for transportsuch as in a pick-up truck, trailer, or van, or during storage when notin use.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, theground speed of apparatus 10 is controlled by pivotal levers 62 locatedon opposite sides of steering wheel 18. Specifically, in the preferredform, levers 62 extend generally perpendicular to a speed shaft 64pivotably mounted relative to columns 20. A crank arm 66 extendsradially to shaft 64 and is pivotably connected to a linkage 68 in turnpivotably connected to a proportioner arm 70 of the transmission drivingwheels 14. In the preferred form, a gas spring or cylinder 71 ispivotably connected to crank arm 66 spaced from and generally parallelto linkage 68 for dampening movement of proportioner arm 70 and pivotlevers 92 to the neutral position in a predetermined time under the biasof a spring inside the transmission driving wheels 14. Thus, by movinglevers 62 with the hands of the operator, proportioner arm 70 is movedto control the ground speed of apparatus 10.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, a groundspeed lock 72 utilizes the operator's body weight to activate and securethe proper force to keep apparatus 10 in motion. In particular, lock 72includes a pedal step 74 pivotably mounted to a mounting bracket 76mounted to the axle assembly for wheels 14, lower frame assembly 12,columns 20 and/or another location of the vehicular portion of apparatus10. Step 74 is pivotably connected by a linkage 78 to pivotal cam 80pivotably mounted to lower frame assembly 12 and/or another portion ofthe vehicular portion of apparatus 10. A composite block 82 is connectedto and moveable with cam 80. An engagement 84 is connected to andmoveable with proportioner arm 70 and is shown in the preferred form asa serrated element. Step 74 and cam 80 are biased to an unlockedposition from a locked position such as by a spring 86 extending betweenlinkage 78 to bracket 76. In the unlocked position, block 82 andengagement 84 are in a non interfering relation. In the lockingposition, block 82 engages with engagement 84 and stops movement ofproportioner arm 70.

In operation of apparatus 10 of the most preferred form, the operatorstands upon platform 34, with pivotal levers 62 initially being in theirneutral position. The operator then pivots one of the levers 62 from itsneutral position with one hand while the other hand is engaged withsteering wheel 18. Thus, apparatus 10 will move upon the applicationarea at a speed according to the movement of levers 62 from theirneutral position. If the operator removes his hands from levers 62,levers 62 will pivot to their neutral position under bias dampened bygas cylinder 71. In the event that the operator wants to maintain thespeed of apparatus 10 but wishes to remove his hands from levers 62, theoperator places his foot upon and pivots step 74 from its unlockedposition to its locked position. Pivoting of step 74 causes compositeblock 82 to pivot into engagement 84 to lock proportioner arm 70 inposition and to prevent movement thereof. With the proportioner arm 70locked, the operator can let go of levers 62 so that the operator'shands can be utilized in other locations and functions. To stop movementof apparatus 10, the operator moves his foot relative to step 74 whichthen moves under the bias of spring 86 from its locked position to itsunlocked position. In the unlocked position, composite block 82 is notoperationally engaged with engagement 84 so that proportioner arm 70 canmove under bias dampened by gas cylinder 71 to its neutral position.Similarly, if the operator should intentionally or unintentionally stepfrom platform 34, the operator's foot would be removed from step 74 sothat it would pivot into its unlocked position and thereby allowingproportioner arm 70 to move to its neutral position according to thepreferred teachings of the present invention.

Apparatus 10 includes a moveable gate 88 which opens or closes loweropening 27 in hopper 26. It can be appreciated that when moveable gate88 is open, product contained in hopper 26 is permitted to pass throughlower opening 27 and to exit hopper 26. It should further be appreciatedthat lower opening 27 and moveable gate 88 can be a variety of forms andtypes according to the teachings of the present invention.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, a gatecontrol 90 moves moveable gate 88. Specifically, a crank arm 92 isconnected to and pivotal with a pivot pin 94 and is connected to acontrol cable 96 for moveable gate 88, with moveable gate 88 beingbiased into its open position such as by a spring 97. In the mostpreferred form, crank arm 92 and cable 96 are located inside anenclosure panel 98, with the pivot pin 94 being pivotal relative toenclosure panel 98. A control block 100 is connected to and pivotal withpivot pin 94 on the opposite side of panel 98 than crank arm 92 and in arotatable path. Control block 100 is pivotal relative to an adjustmentguide 102 which in the preferred form is adjustably positioned relativeto panel 98. Particularly, adjustment guide 102 is pivotably mountedupon pivot pin 94 and located intermediate block 100 and panel 98 in thepreferred form shown. Adjustment guide 102 is adjustably fixed relativeto panel 98 such as by an arcuate groove 104 formed in guide 102concentric to and spaced from pivot pin 94. A bolt 103 extends throughpanel 98 and through arcuate groove 104 and includes a knob 105threadably secured thereto. Thus, knob 105 can be tightened to sandwichguide 102 against panel 98 or can be loosened to allow pivotal movementof adjustment guide 102 relative to panel 98. Adjustment guide 102includes a tang 106 spaced from pivot pin 94 and located outwardly ofblock 100. A control lever 108 is pivotably mounted to block 100 aboutan axis spaced from and perpendicular to pivot pin 94. In its mostpreferred form, control lever 108 is pivotal between a bumping positiongenerally parallel to panel 98 and an angled position at an acute angleto panel 98. In the most preferred form, control lever 108 is removeablyheld in its bumping or angled position such as by a bolt 110 threadedinto block 100 and extending through a FIG. 8 shaped groove 112 so thatbolt 110 acts like a detent and groove 112 acts as two recesses whichalternately receive the detent. In the most preferred form, panel 98includes an abutment 114 for abutting with lever 108 and at an angularspacing relative to pivot pin 94 from tang 106 and on opposite sides ofthe vertical center than tang 106.

For purposes of explanation, it will be assumed that lever 108 isabutting with abutment 114, and, thus, gate 88 is in its closedposition. Due to lever 108 being over center, spring 97 biasing gate 88is unable to move lever 108 away from abutment 114. When an operatordesires to open gate 88 to disperse product through opening 27 of hopper26, the operator simply pushes lever 108 to pivot about pivot pin 94. Itshould then be appreciated that once lever 108 reaches its centerposition, spring 97 biasing gate 88 will move lever 108 away fromabutment 114. If control lever 108 is in its angled position such thattang 106 does not interfere with control lever 108, lever 108 will beoutside of and will pivot past tang 106 until gate 88 is in its fullopen position. On the other hand, if control lever 108 is in itsabutting position, lever 108 will abut against tang 106 and stop gate 88from reaching its full open position. It should be appreciated that theextent that gate 88 is open depends upon the angular position ofadjustment guide 102 about pivot pin 94 and can be adjusted by looseningand then tightening knob 105 in the preferred form. It can then beappreciated that gate 88 will open to the same position consistentlyevery time after being closed as gate 88 will open to the same extentunder the bias of spring 97 until control lever 108 in its bumpingposition abuts with tang 106. To close gate 88, the operator pivotslever 108 about pivot pin 94 to abut with abutment 114 and thereby closegate 88 for the opening of hopper 26.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, apparatus10 includes a belt drive system including a rotatable sleeve 120 whichreceives the drive shaft of engine 17. Rotatable with sleeve 120 is afirst pulley 122 for a belt 124 connected to the transmission for drivenwheels 14 and a second pulley 126 for a belt 128 connected to a pulley130 rotatable with the input of a fluid pump 132. A pulley 134 isrotatable with pulley 130 for a belt 136 connected to an idle pulley138. A pulley 140 is rotatable with pulley 138 and for a belt 141connected to a first sheave 142 of a variator 144. A second sheave 146of variator 144 is rotatable with first sheave 142 about a pivot pin 148and for a belt 150 connected to a spinner pulley 152 removably connectedto a spinner 154 located below the opening of hopper 26. It should beappreciated that when a force is applied to variator 144, the effectivediameter of one of sheaves 142 and 146 increases while the effectivediameter of the other of sheaves 142 and 146 decreases, thereby changingthe speed of spinner pulley 152 and spinner 154 rotatable therewith,with the force being applied by moving pivot pin 148 to have differentspacing with spinner pulley 152.

In the preferred form shown, pivot pin 148 is mounted to a first end ofa variator arm 156 pivotal about a pivot axis 158 of a mounting bracket161 suitably fixed to lower frame assembly 12 or another location of thevehicular portion of apparatus 10. A flexible cable 162 is connected toan end of variator arm 156 opposite to pivot pin 148 and to a controllever 164 adjacent to steering wheel 18. In the most preferred form,cable 162 is connected to variator arm 156 via a spring 166. Further,variator arm 156 is biased to move pivot pin 148 away from spinnerpulley 152 such as by a spring 168 extending between mounting bracket161 and variator arm 156. When pivot pin 148 is closer to spinner pulley152, sheave 142 has a lesser effective diameter and sheave 146 has agreater effective diameter than when pivot pin 148 is further fromspinner pulley 152.

In the preferred form, if control lever 164 is pushed away from theoperator, cable 162 is shortened to move variator arm 156 such thatpivot pin 148 moves toward spinner pulley 152 and spinner 154 rotates ata faster speed. On the other hand, if control lever 164 is pulled towardthe operator, cable 162 is lengthened to move variator arm 156 such thatpivot pin 148 moves away from spinner pulley 152 and spinner 156 rotatesat a slower speed.

It should be appreciated that unless belts 141 and 150 are in motion, itmay not be possible to shift variator arm 156. Spring 166 allows theoperator to pivot control lever 164 even while belts 141 and 150 are notin motion and without damage to components of apparatus 10. As soon asbelts 141 and 150 start to move, variator arm 156 will pivotcorresponding to the location of control lever 164. Spring 168 balancesspring 166 in the most preferred form. Thus, the belt drive systemaccording to the preferred teachings of the present invention is atotally mechanical system that allows the operator to easily change therotational speed of spinner 154.

Apparatus 10 according to the preferred teachings of the presentinvention further includes shielding for spinner 154. In the mostpreferred form, a primary shield 174 is located behind spinner 154 inthe movement direction and includes an arcuate portion 176 extendingconcentrically to and spaced from spinner 154 for a portion of the outercircumference of spinner 154 and, in the preferred form, approximately90°. A lip 178 extends at an angle in the order of 45° from the loweredge of arcuate portion 176. Primarily shield 174 is suitably fixed tothe vehicular portion of apparatus 10 and in the most preferred form ismounted to hopper 26 such as by a bracket 180 having a generally V-shapeand integrally extending from the top edge of arcuate portion 176.

In the most preferred form, a flip shield 184 is located in the rotationdirection of spinner 154 and includes an arcuate portion 186 and alinearly straight portion 188 extending from arcuate portion 186. Flipshield 184 is pivotably mounted to the vehicular portion of apparatus 10and in the most preferred form is mounted to hopper 26 such as by apivot bracket 190. Flip shield 184 is moveable between a redirectionposition and an inoperative position. In the redirection position,linearly straight portion 188 abuts with and is coextensive with arcuateportion 176 of primary shield 174 and extends generally parallel to themovement direction of apparatus 10. Linearly straight portion 188 isintermediate arcuate portions 176 and 186. In the inoperative position,flip shield 184 does not interfere with product leaving spinner 154 and,in the most preferred form, is adjacent to hopper 26.

In the preferred form shown, an engine shield 194 is secured to brace24, and a front shield 196 is secured to the frame assembly includingfront wheels 16. Shields 194 and 196 act as guards to protect the movingcomponents of apparatus 10 as well as direct any product which ricochetor stray from the desired area back into the application area.

According to the preferred teachings of the present invention, apparatus10 includes a single, fan style, spray tip 200 mounted to the vehicularportion of apparatus 10 in front of wheels 16 in the movement directionand generally parallel to the application area and in the most preferredform, at a spray angle 15 to 25 degrees from a plane parallel to theapplication area. Spray tip 200 is in fluid communication with a pump influid communication with tanks 30. In particular, fan style spray tip200 sprays product in liquid form in the shape of a fan which has arelatively narrow thickness and an increasing width of a generallyV-shaped as opposed to cone shape which has increasing width andthickness. Fan style spray tips are commonly used in agriculturalapplicators where they are mounted on booms elevated high in the air anddirected generally straight down towards the ground. However, mountingfan style spray tip 200 to spray product forwardly and in particulargenerally parallel to the application area produces synergistic resultsin apparatus 10 according to the preferred teachings of the presentinvention. Specifically, fan style spray tip 200 operates under higherliquid pressure in the order of 40 psi so that the spray pattern is moreconsistent with large droplets which are less susceptible to dropletdrift from wind. Further, fan style spray tip 200 is mounted at anelevation which is considerably closer to the application area than whensimilar fan style spray tips are utilized in conventional agriculturalapplications while still obtaining a relatively large width in the orderof 9 feet with just a single fan style spray tip 200. Additionally, theapplication angle of fan style spray tip 200 projects the droplets at anangle to the application area which helps penetrate the canopy of turfto allow more effective use of the product being applied. Thus,apparatus 10 according to the preferred teachings of the presentinvention utilizing fan style spray tip 200 mounted at a minor angle tothe application area provides for a simpler construction and for moreeffective use of the product than conventional applicators.

Now that the basic teachings of the present invention have beenexplained, many extensions and variations will be obvious to one havingordinary skill in the art. For example, although apparatus 10 of themost preferred form includes the combination of several, unique featuresbelieved to obtain synergistic results, apparatus 10 could beconstructed according to the teachings of the present inventionincluding such features singly or in other combinations. As an example,use of fan style spray tip 200 mounted according to the teachings of thepresent invention could be utilized with other types and/or forms ofdevices for applying product in granular form than of the preferred formshown and in apparatus 10 which does not have the capability of applyingproduct in granular form and/or which have other functionalcapabilities. Similarly, fan style spray tip 200 mounted according tothe teachings of the present invention could be utilized in apparatus 10of other vehicular forms than of the preferred form shown such asincluding but not limited to sit-down or walk behind vehicular forms,articulated frame type vehicular forms, tricycle type vehicular forms,front wheel drive, all-wheel drive, skid type vehicular forms and thelike.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or generalcharacteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, theembodiments described herein are to be considered in all respectsillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to beindicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for applying a product ingranular form to areas comprising, in combination: a frame assemblymoveably supported upon the areas to which product is to be applied; anengine mounted on the frame assembly, a hopper mounted upon the frameassembly; a spinner mounted upon the frame assembly and for receivingproduct from the hopper; and a belt drive system comprising: a drivepulley connected to the engine to be driven thereby; a spinner pulleyconnected to the spinner to be driven thereby; a variator including afirst sheave having a variable effective diameter and including a secondsheave having a variable effective diameter, with the first and secondsheaves being rotatable about a pivot pin, with the pivot pin beingmoveable with the effective diameter of the first sheave increasing andwith the effective diameter of the second sheave decreasing when thepivot pin is moved in a first direction and with the effective diameterof the first sheave decreasing and with the effective diameter of thesecond sheave increasing when the pivot pin is moved opposite to thefirst direction; a first belt connected between the drive pulley and thefirst sheave; a second belt connected between the spinner pulley and thesecond sheave; a control lever pivotally mounted relative to the frameassembly; and a flexible cable operationally connected to the controllever and the pivot pin and moving the pivot pin when pivoted.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising, in combination: a variator armpivotably mounted relative to the frame assembly about an arm pivot axisspaced from and parallel to the pivot pin, with the flexible cableconnected to the variator, with the arm pivot axis being intermediatethe flexible cable and the pivot pin.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2further comprising, in combination: a first spring connected to thevariator arm, with the arm pivot axis being intermediate the firstspring and the flexible cable, with the flexible cable beingoperationally connected to the variator arm by a second spring. 4.Apparatus for applying a product in liquid form to areas comprising, incombination: a frame assembly moveably supported in a movement directionupon the areas to which product is to be applied; a supply tank carriedby the frame assembly; a pump in fluid communication with the supplytank; and a spray tip carried by the frame assembly at a small acuteangle to the area, with the spray tip being of a fan style creating aspray having an increasing width in the movement direction and parallelto the areas and with a height perpendicular to the areas which is anamount insignificant to the width when the spray engages the areas, withthe pump being in fluid communication with the spray tip.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4 with the spray tip carried by the frame assembly atthe small acute angle in the range of 15 to 25 degrees.
 6. Apparatus forapplying a product in granular form comprising, in combination: a frameassembly moveably supported in a movement direction upon the areas towhich product is to be applied; a hopper mounted upon the frameassembly; a spinner rotatably mounted on the frame assembly about avertical axis and for receiving product from the hopper, with thespinner including an outer circumference; a primary shield extendingconcentrically to and spaced from the vertical axis for a portion of theouter circumference of the spinner; and a flip shield pivotably mountedrelative to the frame assembly about a pivot axis parallel to themovement direction and generally perpendicular to the vertical axis,with the flip shield being pivotal between a redirection position and aninoperative position, with the flip shield not operatively interferingwith product leaving the spinner in the inoperative position, with theflip shield including a linear straight portion extending parallel tothe movement direction and the pivot axis and extending parallel to atangent to the outer circumference of the spinner in the redirectionposition, with the flip shield abutting with and being coextensive withthe primary shield in the redirection position.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6 with the flip shield further including an arcuate portioncoextensive with the linear straight portion, with the linear straightportion abutting with and being coextensive with the primary shield inthe redirection position, with the linear straight portion beingintermediate the arcuate portion and the primary shield.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7 with the primary shield and the flip shield beingmounted to the hopper.